Chronic pain can leave you a shell of your former self. In addition to the physical discomfort, it can take a heavy emotional toll. Luckily, there are strategies you can put into place to overcome many types of chronic pain without relying on potentially dangerous prescription painkillers.
Address the Source of Your Pain
You can’t start conquering your pain until you know what is causing it. That is only common sense. Start by keeping a record of the pain you experience. Make a note of intensity, location, what you were doing when it started, even what foods you ate that day. This will give you a great reference for eliminating possible triggers and can be a powerful diagnostic tool for your medical providers. Speaking of which, find a healthcare professional that is willing to work with you on complementary treatments.
Use Natural Treatments for Relief
There is no shortage of natural treatment options to choose from. Cannabidiol has probably been the most widely publicized, but it is not alone. Capsaicin and menthol creams have been used for years to ease minor pain and an increasing number of people are finding herbal supplements like kratom capsules offer relief from pain. Of course, not all treatments are going to be medicine based. You may also find that gentle stretching like that found in yoga or tai chi can help ease your pain. Massage therapy, acupuncture and biofeedback have all been used successfully.
Take Care of Your Whole Self
Don’t get so focused on beating your pain that you forget to address other needs. Establish a balanced overall wellness plan. Increase physical activity to help boost your mood. If exercise is painful, try swimming or water classes to help ease strain from weight-bearing activities. Eat a balanced diet that includes lots of plants and fiber. It has been shown to boost gut health, which reduces inflammation throughout your body.
Always follow the advice and recommendations of your health care provider. Once you start addressing your physical and emotional needs, you can begin to work through and conquer your pain.